by: Kelli, 2017 Represent Running Ambassador, @_kellinickole
I moved back to the Bay Area two weeks ago after spending almost 3 years in North Carolina. So naturally I thought, what better way to kick off this new adventure than to run a marathon in my new (old) city?! This was my first time running The San Francisco Marathon and aside from the soreness, it was amazing.
For starters, it was easily the largest race that I have ever run so I was nervous about literally everything. It also didn’t help that I felt slightly undertrained going into the race. Despite the crowds, the expo was very well organized – we drove, we found parking and I was able to make it in time to #werunsocial meet up with my fellow Represent Running ambassadors! I feel like it’s also important to mention that the expo had multiple set ups for Instagram-worthy photo-ops because well, #forthegram.
The next morning was an early one because the race started at 5:30 am. Luckily, my fiancé (spoiler alert), Cade, is used to driving and dropping me off near the start line for my races. Once we arrived, I quickly found my wave and started the race! I actually don’t remember a lot of the race until mile 17 when I realized that I was on pace to finish in under 4 hours. I have no idea how I pushed through the last couple of miles but I just made it at 3:57:58! Woohoo!
I definitely didn’t think that the day could get any better, but you bet it did! After meeting up with our friends, Cade suggested that I take my race pictures on the pier since he knows my #forthegram obsession. Then after I was done taking my pictures for Instagram, he rushed over and asked if we could take a picture together (he never wants to take pictures). And next thing I know, he’s down on one knee with a box. Neither of us remembers what he said, but it must’ve been good because I said yes!
New marathon PR.
Engaged.
Best day ever!
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